Fourth graders' spatial perceptions using a school surroundings map

The aim of the following master`s thesis was to introduce orientation in space and orienteering for the teachers of the first cycle of the elementary school, and to help in expanding pupils` multidimensional literacy and to contribute to their more integrated development. In the theoretical part we presented the key findings about the orientation in space and mental spatial perception. In the empirical part we researched the extent of competence the fourth graders have in mental spatial perception when solving orienteering tasks in a familiar environment with help of an orienteering map. Pupils’ abilities were measured by assessing nine exercises pupils had to solve: (1) recognizing photographed objects and general reading of the map (using a legend); (2) using marks for the cardinal sky direction on the map; (3) using the graphic scale on the map; (4) determining a certain ground type/terrain; (5) forming the appropriate mental picture of sky directions of the photographs of the same object; (6) recognizing objects photographed from the marked position; (7) exact observation of different positions according to the object; (8) determining the photographer`s standpoint and the direction he was facing; (9) transferring the data from the map to the ortophotography. We were also interested in the strategies pupils chose to use to solve the exercises and how certain they were in the correctness of their answers. 46 pupils from two different fourth-grade classes of an elementary school in the Gorenjska region participated in this survey that was carried out in May 2021. It was carried out virtually, on the computer. The results showed that one third of fourth graders have a developed mental spatial perception when they use an orienteering map of familiar school surroundings, and by using the map they know how to mentally orientate themselves to such an extent that they solved the tasks correctly. For two thirds of fourth graders from our sample we conclude that their mental spatial perception is still being developed